Option #3: Traditional Wedding Ceremony

Introductory Sermon from The Book of Common Worship

This is the Christian traditional wedding ceremony you have heard since you were a child. It is at the beginning of the wedding ceremony order. Revs. Chris and Karen Mohr both have robes they can wear, or either of us can dress a little more informally. We both deliver these words with warmth, sincerity and in a spirit of joyful reverence.

Dearly beloved: we are assembled here in the presence of God to join _________________ and _________________ in holy matrimony, which is instituted by God, regulated by His commandments, blessed by Jesus Christ and to be held in honor among all people. God has instructed all who enter into this relationship to cherish a mutual esteem and love; to bear with each other’s infirmities and weaknesses; to comfort each other in sickness, trouble and sorrow; to provide for each other, and for their household, in temporal things; to pray for and encourage each other in things which pertain to God; and to live together as the heirs of the grace of life.
The Lord God said, It is not good that the Man should be alone; I will make him a helpmeet for him. The holy estate of matrimony signifies to us the mystical union between Christ and his Church, which Christ adorned and beatified with his presence and first miracle that he performed at Cana of Galilee. Therefore, it is not by any to be entered into unadvisedly or lightly, but reverently, discreetly, soberly, and in the Love of God. Into this holy estate these two persons present come to be joined. I require and charge you both, as you stand in the presence of God, that, having duly considered the holy covenant you are about to make, you do declare before this company your pledge of faith, each to the other. Be well assured that if these solemn vows are kept inviolate, as God’s word demands, and if steadfastly you endeavor to do God’s will, God will bless your marriage, will grant you fulfillment in it, and will establish your home in peace.